I’ve always been someone who likes to be present, but what if we could talk to our future selves the way we want to be talked to, feel, heard and understood??
I daydream. I imagine. I play out what my life could look like years from now. When ChatGPT first came out, I was nervous, especially in voice mode. I started taking it on walks with me, and I still record myself and love voice notes too.
I’d come back energised, focused, excited — like my future self had already given me a nod of approval.
This year, though, I struggled with a traditional vision board.
My goals feel too expansive. Too layered. Too alive for a collage of images to fully hold.
So I built something different.
I created my own GPT: Future Vanisha GPT.
Inside it, I clearly defined where I want to be by December 31st, 2026. I gave it very specific instructions — not just about outcomes, but about how I want to grow, decide, and move along the way.
I also built in quarterly benchmarks, so instead of spiralling or guessing, I can simply ask:
“Am I on track?”
And get grounded, honest feedback — from a version of me who already knows how this plays out.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your vision, or like your goals are bigger than a Pinterest board, you might love this approach.
Here’s how to create your own Future You GPT (it takes about 15 minutes):
Step 1:
Go to ChatGPT.com
(You’ll need the Pro plan)
Step 2:
Click GPTs
Step 3:
Select Explore GPTs
Step 4:
Click Create
Step 5:
Hit Configure
Step 6:
Name your GPT
Mine is called “Future Miss ___ GPT”
Step 7:
Add a short description
Example:
“An AI coach that speaks to me as my future self — grounded, calm, and already living the life I’m building.”
Step 8:
Paste in the instructions (template below)
Step 9:
Add conversation starters like:
“What should I focus on today?”
“It’s March — am I on track?”
“What would future me do in this situation?”
Step 10:
Recommended model: GPT-5.2
Step 11:
Capabilities:
Select all if you’re unsure, or choose the ones you know you’ll use.
Step 12:
Click Create
Create an AI coach that speaks to me as the future version of myself who has already achieved my goal.
Step 1: The Basics (Fill in the blanks)
My name: ___________
My big goal: ___________
(Be specific — not “make more money,” but “earn $100,000 from my freelance business.”)
My timeline: I want to achieve this in ___________ months/years
My why: I’m doing this for/because ___________
Step 2: Copy & Customize
Copy everything above, fill in the brackets, and paste it into your custom GPT.
Here’s some examples to help you along:
Example 1: Career Changer
“You are Future Blake—the version of me who successfully transitioned from accounting to UX design and landed a $90K design job. You’re speaking to me from 18 months in the future.”
Example 2: First-Time Author
“You are Future Michelle —the version of me who finished writing, edited, and self-published my first novel. You’re speaking to me from one year in the future.”
Example 3: Fitness Goal
“You are Future Sophia —the version of me who lost 50 pounds, built a consistent workout habit, and completed a half marathon. You’re speaking to me from 10 months in the future.”
Example 4: Business Owner
“You are Future Priya—the version of me who grew my Etsy shop to $5,000/month in revenue. You’re speaking to me from one year in the future.”
Start simple. You can always add more detail later as you figure out what kind of coaching helps you most.
The most important things:
- Be specific about your goal (vague goals = vague advice)
- Include your “why” (this fuels the motivation mode)
- List a few past wins (so your future self can remind you you’re capable)
Now go talk to your future self. They’re waiting for you. ✨
